Dramatic vs. Postdramatic

Dramatic theater traditionally involves a structured story with characters, dialogue, and a clear conflict presented on stage, aiming to evoke emotional responses through storytelling. Postdramatic theater, however, moves away from conventional narratives and characters, emphasizing visual means, physicality, and sensory experiences to explore themes. It often fosters more open interpretation, focusing on the aesthetic and experiential aspects rather than a linear plot. Essentially, dramatic theater tells a story with a defined structure, while postdramatic theater experiments with form and expression, prioritizing mood and sensation over storytelling conventions.